Powder module for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects

ABSTRACT

A powder module for an apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising a powder chamber limiting a powder room that can be filled with powdered construction material and a carrying device arranged in the powder room and limiting the powder room at the bottom, wherein between at least one powder chamber wall limiting the powder room and the carrying device a gap extending at least partially along the powder chamber wall limiting the powder room is formed, through which powdered construction material from the powder room can enter a powder module section lying below the carrying device, wherein the gap opens out into a receiving section of a receiving element arranged or formed on the powder chamber, wherein the receiving section is formed as or comprises an especially ring-shaped circumferential flow channel structure provided for receiving construction material from the gap.

The invention relates to a powder module for an apparatus for additivemanufacturing of three-dimensional objects, which comprises a powderchamber limiting a powder room that can be filled with powderedconstruction material and a carrying device arranged in the powder roomlimiting the powder room at the bottom, comprising the other features ofthe preamble of claim 1.

Such powder modules, for example in the form of construction or meteringmodules, are known as functional components of apparatuses for additivemanufacturing of three-dimensional objects. In appropriate powdermodules a gap extending along the powder chamber wall limiting thepowder room is formed related to construction between the powder chamberwalls limiting the powder room and the carrying device which typicallyis a powder chamber plate or a powder chamber table having storedthereon such a plate, through said gap powdered construction materialfrom the powder room can enter a powder module section lying below thecarrying device.

The powdered construction material that entered into the section belowthe carrying device is usually received or collected in a receivingcontainer and removed therefrom by means of a flow generation device.Due to the given structural design of the receiving containers, veryhigh flow capacities are required to realize the flow rates necessaryfor the removal of powdered construction material from the receivingcontainers.

The invention is based on the object of providing, in contrast to theabove, especially in terms of a more efficient removal of constructionmaterial, an improved powder module for an apparatus for additivemanufacturing of three-dimensional objects.

The object is solved by a powder module for an apparatus for additivemanufacturing of three-dimensional objects according to claim 1. Thedependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the powder module.

The powder module described herein represents a functional component ofan apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects. Arespective apparatus is provided for the additive manufacturing of atleast one three-dimensional object (hereinafter, in short, referred toas “object”) by successive, selective layer-by-layer exposure and thussolidification of individual construction material layers of a powderedconstruction material (hereinafter, in short, referred to as“construction material”) that can be solidified by means of at least oneenergy beam. The construction material can be metal powder, plasticpowder and/or ceramic powder. Metal powders, plastic powders or ceramicpowders can also be interpreted to include a powder mixture of differentmetals, plastics or ceramics. The energy beam can be a laser beam. Theapparatus can correspondingly be an apparatus for performing selectivelaser melting methods (SLM methods in short) or selective lasersintering methods (SLS methods in short), i.e. a selective laser meltingapparatus (SLM apparatus) or a selective laser sintering apparatus (SLSapparatus).

The powder module can generally be any powder module, which is providedfor receiving and/or dispensing construction material. In particular,the powder module can be a construction module in which the actualadditive construction of three-dimensional objects is performed andwhich, for this purpose, is filled with construction material to besolidified in a successive, selective layer-by-layer manner whenperforming additive manufacturing processes, a metering module via whichwhen performing additive manufacturing processes construction materialis metered out into a process chamber successively and in layers, or acollector module which when performing additive manufacturing processesis filled with construction material that is not solidified.

The powder module comprises a powder chamber. The powder chamber limitsa powder room that can be filled with construction material.Specifically, the powder room is limited at least on the side by wallsof the powder chamber (powder chamber walls) of the powder chambergenerally formed like a hollow parallelepiped or like a hollow cylinder.At the bottom, the powder room is limited by a carrying device. Thecarrying device can be a powder chamber plate or a powder chamber tablehaving stored thereon such a plate. The carrying device is typicallymovably supported between two end positions, i.e. between an upper endposition (related to the height of the powder module) and a lower endposition, relative to the powder chamber; the movable support of thecarrying device is typically realized by an especially (electro) motoroperated drive or actuator device coupled with the carrying device.

Between at least one powder chamber wall, limiting the powder room, andthe carrying device a gap is formed extending at least partially alongthe powder chamber wall limiting the powder room and especiallysurrounding the carrying device in a ring-shaped circumferential manner.Through the gap, construction material from the powder room enters intoa powder module section lying below the carrying device. The gap givenfor structural design reasons represents a “leakage section” via whichconstruction material from the powder room can enter a powder modulesection lying below the carrying device despite possible existingsealing elements.

In the powder module described herein the gap opens out, especiallydirectly, into a receiving section of the receiving element arranged orformed on the powder chamber; thus the gap turns into, especiallydirectly, the receiving section of the receiving element arranged orformed on the powder chamber. In other words, the gap aligns with thereceiving section of the receiving element. The receiving section isformed as or comprises an especially ring-shaped circumferential,self-contained flow channel structure provided for receivingconstruction material from the gap. In the flow channel structure aclosed flow fluid cycle can develop. The flow channel structure is, interms of a preferably optimum ability to flow through, fluidicallydesigned with a flow fluid, typically a gas, e.g. air. The structuraldesign of the flow channel structure is especially selected such thatcomparatively low flow capacities are required to realize the flow ratesnecessary for removing construction material from the receiving section.The structural design of the flow channel structure is especiallyselected such that in said structure a (widely) laminar flow can beformed; the flow channel structure typically has no section whichenables an undesired swirl of a flow fluid flowing through saidstructure.

To enter the flow fluid into the flow channel structure the receivingelement typically comprises at least one connecting element forconnecting a flow generation device, which is provided for generating afluid flow (cleaning flow), flowing through the flow channel structureto remove construction material located in the flow channel structurefrom the flow channel structure. Of course, the receiving element cancomprise several connecting elements, wherein a first connecting elementcan serve for feeding the flow fluid into the flow channel structure,and another connecting element can serve for deducing the flow fluidloaded with construction material from the flow channel structure. Thefluid flow can especially be a suction flow or blower flow; the flowfluid can accordingly flow as suction flow or blower flow. Accordingly,the flow generation device can be a suction device or a blower device.

To purposefully affect the ability to flow through or the flowproperties of the flow channel structure, said structure can comprise atleast one flow affecting flow element. In the simplest case, arespective flow element can be formed by a purposeful change of thecross-section geometry of the flow channel structure. For example, by apurposeful change of the cross-section geometry an increase or decreaseof the flow rate of the flow fluid flowing through the flow channelstructure can be realized (according to the Venturi effect).

The flow channel structure typically has a cross-section geometry thatis open on one side, e.g. U-type, V-type or C-type. Specifically, theflow channel structure can be a groove channel-shaped recess in thereceiving element or the receiving section. The flow channel structureis typically open at the top; the aperture (opening aperture) of theflow channel structure typically faces the powder room limited by thepowder chamber.

It was mentioned that the flow channel structure is especially formed ina ring-shaped circumferential way. This is intended to mean that theflow channel structure is formed (significantly) extending e. g. alongthe dimensions, especially the outer dimensions or inner dimensions, ofthe carrying device or of the powder chamber wall or a section inbetween.

The flow channel structure is typically arranged or formed below thecarrying device.

The powder module can comprise a guide element at least partiallylimiting the gap. The guide element is typically arranged or formedopposite the powder chamber wall limiting the gap. The guide elementtypically extends in parallel to the powder chamber wall oppositethereof. The geometry of the guide element is adjusted to the geometryof the powder chamber such that the gap is at least partially formedbetween the guide element and the powder chamber wall limiting thepowder room.

The guide element can be movably supported between a closing positionand an opening position and vice versa, relative to the flow channelstructure or the receiving element. In the closing position, the guideelement, i.e. especially a closing section of the guide element facingthe opening aperture of the flow channel structure, is moved relativelyto the flow channel structure, i.e. especially toward the openingaperture of the flow channel structure, such that an intrusion ofconstruction material into the flow channel structure is impossible.Therefore, in the closing position it is not possible for constructionmaterial from the gap to enter the receiving section of the receivingelement, or the flow channel structure. In the open position the guideelement, i.e. especially a closing portion of the guide element facingthe opening aperture of the flow channel structure, is moved relativelyto the flow channel structure, i.e. especially away from the openingaperture of the flow channel structure, such that an intrusion ofconstruction material into the flow channel structure is possible.Therefore, in the open position it is possible for construction materialfrom the gap to enter the receiving section of the receiving element, orthe flow channel structure.

The movable support of the guide element can for example be realized byan especially (electro) motor operated drive or actuator deviceassociated with the guide element.

A movable support of the guide element can, however, also be realized bya coupling for movement of the guide element with the carrying device.The coupling for movement of the guide element with the carrying devicecan, for example, be realized by integrally forming the guide elementand the carrying device. The guide element can, for example, form aprism-like or cylindrical extension of the carrying device.Alternatively to the integral forming, the guide element can also beformed as a separate, especially prism-like or cylindrical componentthat can be attached or that is attached to the carrying device.

It was mentioned that the carrying device is typically movably supportedbetween two end positions, i.e. between an upper end position (relatedto the height of the powder module) and a lower end position, relativeto the powder chamber. In the case of a coupling for movement of theguide element with the carrying device the closing position of the guideelement typically corresponds to the lower end position of the carryingdevice. Consequently, the guide element is moved into the closingposition, if the carrying device is moved into the lower end position.

As mentioned, the flow channel structure can have an opening aperturefacing the gap. The receiving element or the receiving section can, inthe area of at least one edge portion limiting the opening aperture ofthe flow channel structure, be formed with at least one surface sectionthat is formed (angularly) inclined or curved (in a concave or convexmanner). The design of an edge portion limiting the opening apertureprovided with a surface section formed inclined or curved is practical,as it ensures that no construction material can accumulate outside theflow channel structure between the gap and the flow channel structure.With the inclined or curved design of the edge portion, the constructionmaterial is “forced” to enter into the flow channel structure accordingto the principle of a funnel.

The guide element, if present, can, especially in the section of a freeend, be formed with a surface section diametrically opposed (inclined orcurved) to the surface section of the receiving element of the edgeportion. In such a manner, especially in the closing position of theguide element, an (improved) sealing of the flow channel structure canbe realized which ensures an efficient through-flow of the flow channelstructure by the flow fluid, i.e. especially prevents undesired leakingof flow fluid, possibly loaded with construction material, from the flowchannel structure.

In order to reduce the size (inner span) of the opening aperture of theflow channel structure, the powder module can comprise a cover elementthat can be or is attached (in the assembly state of the powder module)to the receiving element and minimizes the opening aperture. The coverelement can—analogous to the edge portion of the receiving elementlimiting the opening aperture of the flow channel structure—in the areaof at least one edge portion limiting the opening aperture of the flowchannel structure be formed with at least one surface section that isformed (angularly) inclined or curved (in a concave or convex manner).The design of an edge portion of a respective cover element, limitingthe opening aperture, provided with a surface section formed inclined orcurved is practical, as it also ensures that no construction materialcan accumulate outside the flow channel structure between the gap andthe flow channel structure. With the inclined or curved design of theedge portion, the construction material is “forced” to enter into theflow channel structure according to the principle of a funnel.

If present, the guide element, especially in the area of a free end,can, possibly additionally, be formed with a surface section formeddiametrically opposed to a surface section of the edge portion of thecover element. In such a manner an (improved) sealing of the flowchannel structure can be realized, especially in the closing position ofthe guide element, which ensures an efficient through-flow of the flowchannel structure by the flow fluid, i.e. especially prevents undesiredleaking of flow fluid, possibly loaded with construction material, fromthe flow channel structure.

In addition to the powder module, the invention also relates to anapparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects. Theapparatus, which especially is an SLS apparatus or an SLM apparatus ischaracterized in that it comprises at least one powder module asdescribed. All embodiments in connection with the powder module thusanalogously apply to the apparatus.

The invention is explained in more detail by means of exemplaryembodiments in the figures of the drawings. In which:

FIG. 1, 2 each show a schematic diagram of a powder module according toan exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a receiving element of the powdermodule shown in FIGS. 1, 2.

FIGS. 1-2 each show a schematic diagram of a powder module 1 accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The powder module 1 is respectively shown inFIGS. 1, 2 in a (longitudinal) sectional view. FIG. 3 shows a schematicdiagram of a receiving element 2 of the powder module 1 shown in FIGS.1, 2 in a separate perspective view.

The powder module 1 represents a functional component of an apparatus(not shown) for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects. Arespective apparatus is provided for additive manufacturing of at leastone object by successive, selective layer-by-layer exposure and thussolidification of individual construction material layers of aconstruction material (not shown) that can be solidified by means of atleast one energy beam (not shown). The construction material that can besolidified can, for example, be a metal powder. A metal powder can alsomean a powder mixture of different metals. Thus, it holds true for ametal powder that it can also be a powder of at least one metal alloy.The energy beam can be a laser beam. The apparatus can be an apparatusfor performing selective laser melting methods (SLM methods in short) orselective laser sintering methods (SLS methods in short), i.e. aselective laser melting apparatus (SLM apparatus) or a selective lasersintering apparatus (SLS apparatus).

The powder module 1 can generally be any powder module, which isprovided for receiving and/or dispensing construction material. Inparticular, the powder module 1 can be a construction module in whichthe actual additive construction of objects is performed and which, forthis purpose, is filled with construction material to be solidified in asuccessive, selective layer-by-layer manner when performing additivemanufacturing processes, a metering module via which, when performingadditive manufacturing processes, construction material is metered outinto a process chamber successively and in layers, or a collector modulewhich, when performing additive manufacturing processes, is filled withconstruction material that is not solidified. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in the Figures the powder module 1 is a constructionmodule, wherein subsequent explanations are not limited to the design ofthe powder module 1 as construction module.

The powder module 1 comprises a powder chamber 3. The powder chamber 3limits a powder room 4 that can be filled with construction material. Byway of FIG. 1, 2 it can be seen that the powder room 4 is laterallylimited by a powder chamber wall 5 of the powder chamber 3 generallyformed as a hollow parallelepiped or hollow cylinder. At the bottom, thepowder room 4 is limited by a carrying device 6. The carrying device 6is a powder chamber table having stored thereon a powder chamber plate(not shown). The carrying device 6 is, as indicated by a double arrowP1, movably supported between two end positions, i.e. between an upperend position (related to the height of the powder module 1) and a lowerend position shown in FIG. 1, relative to the powder chamber 3; themovable support of the carrying device 6 is realized by an especially(electro) motor operated drive or actuator device 7 coupled with thecarrying device.

Between the powder chamber wall 5 limiting the powder room 4 and thecarrying device 6 a gap 8 is formed extending (in vertical direction) atleast partially along the powder chamber wall 5 limiting the powder room4, especially surrounding the carrying device 6 in a ring-shapedcircumferential manner. Through the gap 8, construction material fromthe powder room 4 can enter into a powder module section lying below thecarrying device 6. The gap 8 represents a “leakage section” via whichconstruction material from the powder room 4 can enter a powder modulesection lying below the carrying device 6 despite possible existingsealing elements (not shown).

The gap 8 opens out directly into a receiving section 9 of a receivingelement 2 arranged below the powder chamber 3 and attached to the powderchamber 3 shown in the exemplary embodiment in the Figure by screwfastening; the gap 8 thus turns directly into the receiving section 9 ofthe receiving element 2 arranged below the powder chamber 3. Especiallyfrom FIG. 3, it can be seen that the receiving element 2 in theexemplary embodiment shown in the Figure can be formed by a frame-likereceiving element structure (not denoted in more detail).

The receiving section 9 of the receiving element is formed as orcomprises a circumferential ring-shaped, self-contained flow channelstructure 10 provided for receiving construction material from the gap8. In the flow channel structure 10 a closed flow fluid cycle candevelop. The term “ring-shaped circumferential” in connection with theexemplary embodiment is to be understood to mean that the flow channelstructure 10 is formed extending (significantly) along the dimensions ofthe carrying device 6. From the Figure it can be seen that the flowchannel structure 10 is a groove channel-shaped recess in the receivingelement 2 or the receiving section 9.

The flow channel structure 10 is, in terms of a preferably optimumability to flow through, fluidically configured with a flow fluid,typically a gas, e.g. air. The structural design of the flow channelstructure 10 is selected such that comparatively low flow capacities arerequired to realize the flow rates necessary for removing constructionmaterial from the receiving section 9. In particular, the structuraldesign of the flow channel structure 10 enables the formation of a(widely) laminar flow.

To enter the flow fluid into the flow channel structure 10 the receivingelement 2 comprises connecting elements 11 for connecting at least oneflow generation device (not shown) which is provided for generating afluid flow (cleaning flow) flowing through the flow channel structure 10to remove construction material located in the flow channel structure 10from the flow channel structure 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown inthe Figures the connecting elements 11 are arranged or formed in thearea of the receiving section 9. A first connecting element 11 can servefor feeding the flow fluid into the flow channel structure 10 and asecond connecting element can serve for deducing the flow fluid loadedwith construction material from the flow channel structure 10. The flowfluid can flow in the form of a suction flow or blower flow; accordinglythe flow generation device can be a suction or a blower device.

To purposefully affect the ability to flow through or the flowproperties of the flow channel structure 10, said structure can compriseflow-affecting elements (not shown). In the simplest case, a respectiveflow element can be formed by a purposeful change of the cross-sectiongeometry of the flow channel structure 10. For example, by a purposefulchange of the cross-section geometry an increase or a decrease of theflow rate of the flow fluid flowing through the flow channel structure10 can be realized.

The flow channel structure 10 has a cross-section geometry that is openon one side, i.e. toward the top, and (significantly) U-type in theexemplary embodiment shown in the Figures. The aperture (openingaperture 12) of the flow channel structure 10 faces the powder room 4limited by the powder chamber 3.

The powder module 1 comprises a guide element 13 partially limiting thegap 8. The guide element 13 is arranged or formed opposite the powderchamber wall 5 limiting the gap 8, and extends in parallel to said wall.The geometry of the guide element 13 is adjusted to the geometry of thepowder chamber 3 such that the gap 8 is formed between the guide element13 and the powder chamber wall 5.

The guide element 13 is movably supported between a closing positionshown in FIG. 1 and an opening position shown in FIG. 2 and vice versa,relative to the flow channel structure 10 or the receiving element 2. Inthe closing position, the guide element 13, i.e. especially a closingportion 14 of the guide element 13 facing the opening aperture 12 of theflow channel structure, is moved relatively to the flow channelstructure 10, i.e. especially toward the opening aperture 12 of the flowchannel structure, such that an intrusion of construction material intothe flow channel structure 10 is impossible. Therefore, in the closingposition it is not possible for construction material from the gap 8 toenter the receiving section 9 of the receiving element, or the flowchannel structure 10. In the open position, the guide element 13, i.e.especially the closing portion 14 facing the opening aperture 12 of theflow channel structure, is moved relatively to the flow channelstructure 10, i.e. especially away from the opening aperture 12 of theflow channel structure, such that an intrusion of construction materialinto the flow channel structure 10 is possible. Therefore, in the openposition it is possible for construction material from the gap 8 toenter the receiving section 9 of the receiving element, or the flowchannel structure 10.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures the movable support ofthe guide element 13 is realized by a coupling for movement of the guideelement 13 with the carrying device 6. The coupling for movement of theguide element 13 with the carrying device 6 is realized by integrallyforming the guide element 13 and the carrying device 6. The guideelement 13 forms a prism-like or cylindrical extension of the carryingdevice 6.

As mentioned, the carrying device 6 is movably supported between two endpositions, i.e. between an upper end position (related to the height ofthe powder module 1) and a lower end position, relative to the powderchamber 3. From FIG. 1 it can be seen that the closing position of theguide element 13 corresponds to the lower end position (also shown inFIG. 1) of the carrying device 6. Consequently, the guide element 13 ismoved into the closing position, if the carrying device 6 is moved intothe lower end position.

The receiving element 2 or the receiving section 9 is in the area of aedge portion (not denoted in more detail) limiting the opening aperture12 formed with a surface section 15 angularly inclined in the form of abevel. The design of an edge portion provided with a surface sectionformed inclined is practical, as it ensures that no constructionmaterial can accumulate outside the flow channel structure 10 betweenthe gap 8 and the flow channel structure 10. With the inclined design ofthe edge portion, the construction material is “forced” to enter intothe flow channel structure 10 according to the principle of a funnel.

The guide element 13 in the section of a free end, i.e. in the sectionof the closing portion 14, is formed with a surface section (not denotedin more detail) formed diametrically opposed (inclined) to the surfacesection 15 of the edge portion of the receiving element 9. Thus, in theclosing position of the guide element 13 an (improved) sealing of theflow channel structure 10 can be realized, which ensures an efficientflowing through the flow channel structure 10 by the flow fluid.

In order to reduce the size (inner span) of the opening aperture 12 ofthe flow channel structure, the powder module 1 in the exemplaryembodiment shown in the Figures comprises a cover element 16 that can beor is attached (in the assembly state of the powder module 1) to thereceiving element 9 and minimizes the opening aperture 12. The coverelement 16 is—analogous to the edge portion of the receiving elementlimiting the opening aperture 12 of the flow channel structure—in thesection of a edge portion (not denoted in more detail) limiting theopening aperture 12 formed with a surface section 17 angularly inclinedin the form of a bevel. The design of the cover element 16 provided witha surface section 17 formed inclined is practical, as it also ensuresthat no construction material can accumulate outside the flow channelstructure 10 between the gap 8 and the flow channel structure 10. Withthe inclined design of the edge portion, the construction material is“forced” to enter into the flow channel structure 10 according to theprinciple of a funnel.

The guide element 13 in the section of a free end, i.e. in the sectionof the closing portion 14, is additionally formed with a surface sectionformed diametrically opposed to the surface section 17 of the edgeportion of the cover element 16. Thus, in the closing position of theguide element 13 a (further improved) sealing of the flow channelstructure 10 can be realized, which ensures an efficient through-flow ofthe flow channel structure 10 by the flow fluid.

1. A powder module (1) for an apparatus for additive manufacturing ofthree-dimensional objects, comprising: a powder chamber (3) limiting apowder room (4) that can be filled with powdered construction materialand a carrying device (6) arranged in the powder room (4) and limitingthe powder room (4) at the bottom, wherein between at least one powderchamber wall (5) limiting the powder room (4), and the carrying device(6) a gap (8) extending at least partially along the powder chamber wall(5) limiting the powder room (4) is formed, through which powderedconstruction material from the powder room (4) can enter into a powdermodule section lying below the carrying device (6), characterized inthat the gap (8) opens out into a receiving section (9) of a receivingelement (2) arranged or formed on the powder chamber (3), wherein thereceiving section (9) is formed as or comprises an especiallyring-shaped circumferential flow channel structure (10), provided forreceiving construction material from the gap (8).
 2. The powder moduleaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the flow channel structure(10) has a cross-section geometry open on one side.
 3. The powder moduleaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the flow channel structure(10) is formed to extend along the dimensions, especially the outer orinner dimensions, of the carrying device (6) or the powder chamber wall(5) or a section in between.
 4. The powder module according to one claim1, characterized by a guide element (13) arranged opposite the powderchamber wall (5) limiting the gap (8), said element also limiting thegap (8) at least partially.
 5. The powder module according to claim 4,characterized in that the guide element (13) is movably supportedbetween a closing position in which the guide element (13) is movedrelative to the flow channel structure (10), especially toward anopening aperture (12) of the flow channel structure such that anintrusion of powdered construction material into the flow channelstructure (10) is not possible, and an open position in which the guideelement (13) is moved relative to the flow channel structure (10) suchthat an intrusion of powdered construction material into the flowchannel structure (10) is possible.
 6. The powder module according toclaim 4, characterized in that the guide element (13) is movably coupledwith the carrying device (6).
 7. The powder module according to claim 6,characterized in that the guide element (13) is integrally formed withthe carrying device (6).
 8. The powder module according to claim 7,characterized in that the guide element (13) forms a prism-like orcylindrical extension of the carrying device (6).
 9. The powder moduleaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the flow channel structure(10) has an opening aperture (12) facing the gap (8), wherein thereceiving section (9) in the section of at least one edge portionlimiting the opening aperture (12) of the flow channel structure isformed with at least one surface section (15) that is formed inclined orcurved.
 10. The powder module according to claim 9, characterized inthat the guide element (13), especially in the section of a free end, isformed with a surface section formed diametrically opposed to the edgeportion surface section of the receiving element (2).
 11. The powdermodule according to claim 1, characterized by a cover element (16) thatcan be or is attached to the receiving element (9) and that minimizesthe opening aperture (12) of the flow channel structure, wherein thecover element (16) in the section of at least one edge portion limitingthe opening aperture (12) of the flow channel structure is formed withat least one surface section (17) that is formed inclined or curved. 12.The powder module according to claim 1, characterized in that the guideelement (13), especially in the section of a free end, is formed with asurface section formed diametrically opposed to the edge portion surfacesection (17) of the cover element (16).
 13. The powder module accordingto claim 1, characterized in that the flow channel structure (10)comprises at least one flow element affecting the flow and which isespecially formed by a purposeful change of the cross-section geometryof the flow channel structure (10).
 14. The powder module according toclaim 1, characterized in that the receiving element (9) comprises atleast one connecting element (11) for connecting a flow generationdevice which is provided to generate a fluid flow, especially suctionflow or blower flow, flowing through the flow channel structure (10),for removing powdered construction material received in the flow channelstructure (10) from the flow channel structure (10).
 15. The powdermodule according to claim 1, characterized in that the powder module (1)is a collector module, a construction module or a metering module.